The 2026 HERO UCI Cross-Country Marathon World Cup reached its halfway point with the race in Naturland Andorra. A total of 123 riders in the Elite and Master License categories from 28 nations lined up at the start of the 64-kilometer marathon, which featured 2,239 meters of elevation gain. The race took place on a 22-kilometer loop that had to be completed three times. This format not only simplified technical support but also gave the athletes the opportunity to build their race strategically.

In the men’s race, David Valero Serrano of the Klimatiza Orbea Team emerged victorious. The Spaniard initially let several competitors, including Eskil Evensen-Lie and the previous overall leader Wout Alleman, set the pace. By the third lap, he was at the front of a group with Leo Paez, Dario Cherchi, and Samuele Porro. On the final climb, Martin Fanger and Jose Gerardo Ulloa Arevalo closed the gap once more before Valero attacked on the five-kilometer-long final ascent. He crossed the finish line in 2:57:45, 15 seconds ahead of Paez. “I’m happy to have pulled it off. In my career so far, I’ve always struggled with the altitude. This year I trained in the Sierra Nevada, not far from my home. That preparation has now paid off,” Valero said at the finish line.

Second place went to Colombian Leo Paez of Team Leecougan Basso Factory Racing. Last year’s winner once again demonstrated that Andorra’s high altitude suits him. “With the form I showed today, I’m heading into the HERO Dolomites with optimism,” said Paez. Third place went to Mexican Jose Gerardo Ulloa Arevalo, who had already won an XCO race at the Naturland venue the day before. With his victory, Valero also took the red leader’s jersey in the overall standings. Wout Alleman, who finished twelfth in Andorra, is just five points behind.

In the women’s race, Anna Weinbeer of Team KTM Spada Powered By Brenta Brakes celebrated her third consecutive World Cup victory. The Swiss rider completed the course in 3:34:08 hours. At first, she rode in the shadow of Poland’s Paula Gorycka-Kurmann and was at times up to 40 seconds behind. In the third lap, Weinbeer picked up the pace and pulled decisively ahead. “It was a very, very tough race, partly because of the temperatures. Nevertheless, I found a steady rhythm and was able to ride my own race,” said Weinbeer. “I’m having a fantastic time right now, partly thanks to the support and affection of my loved ones. Of course, I’m happy that I remain the leader in the overall World Cup standings. On the other hand, I don’t pay too much attention to the race calendar. I’m just happy about every single victory.”

Second place went to Spain’s Natalia Fischer, who crossed the finish line 51 seconds behind Weinbeer. Italian Claudia Peretti took third place, marking her first podium finish in a HERO UCI Marathon World Cup race. Paula Gorycka-Kurmann finished fourth, while Dutch rider Rosa Van Doorn took fifth place following her injury-related break.

In the Men’s Master License category, Spain’s Xavier Calaf Garcia claimed victory. In the women’s category, the British rider Sophie Johnson won. The next stop of the HERO UCI Marathon World Cup will take place on June 13, 2026, at the HERO Südtirol Dolomites.

Men’s Elite Ranking

1. David Valero Serrano, SPA, Klimatiza Orbea Team, 2:57:45.64
2. Hector Leonardo Paez Leon, COL, Leecougan Basso, 2:58:00.89, +0:15.25
3. Jose Gerardo Ulloa Arevalo, MEX, 3:00:06.22, +2:20.58
4. Martin Fanger, SUI, 3:00:12.72, +2:27.08
5. Casey South, SUI, 3:00:14.72, +2:29.08
6. Luis Francisco Pérez Martínez, SPA, Klimatiza Orbea Team, 3:00:14.80, +2:29.16
7. Samuele Porro, ITA, Klimatiza Orbea Team, 3:00:18.17, +2:32.53
8. Alessio Agostinelli, ITA, Leecougan Basso, 3:00:50.12, +3:04.48
9. José Días, POR, Klimatiza Orbea Team, 3:01:00.53, +3:14.89
10. Dario Cherchi, ITA, Leecougan Basso, 3:01:23.11, +3:37.47

Women’s Elite Ranking

1. Anna Weinbeer, SUI, KTM Spada, 3:34:08.58
2. Natalia Fischer, SPA, Extremadura Ecopilas, 3:35:00.25, +0:51.67
3. Claudia Peretti, ITA, 3:36:08.87, +2:00.29
4. Paula Gorycka-Kurmann, POL, 3:37:03.54, +2:54.96
5. Rosa Van Doorn, NED, 3:37:44.40, +3:35.82
6. Chiara Gualandi, ITA, Leecougan Basso, 3:51:24.80, +17:16.22
7. Amanda Bohlin, SWE, 3:54:49.76, +20:41.18
8. Adelheid Morath, GER, Leecougan Basso, 3:55:27.13, +21:18.55
9. Monica Calderon Martinez, COL, 3:56:56.53, +22:47.95
10. Mary Gray, NZL, 3:57:57.10, +23:48.52

heroucimarathonworldcup.com/results/2026